Fukui Prefecture is blessed with an ever-changing natural landscape and rich bounties of the sea and mountains.
It features spectacular views out over seas of clouds, a myriad of hot springs, and post towns and other historic landmarks that provide a sense of days long passed. Its traditions and culture are also conveyed through the craftsmanship still on display there. The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is famed for its world-class collection of dinosaur fossils, and Fukui has many spots where you can enjoy unique agriculture and fishery experiences as well. It is a place that all can enjoy throughout the seasons.
Fukui awaits

A hands-on cooking class for traditional Fukui City cuisine. Try making the time-honored Hazushi and Gojiru dishes from the Denga area

Elders from the community will teach you how to cook local dishes in this class, which provides ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. It feels just like you're visiting the home of a rural Japanese local, which is something you can't experience in the big city.

name: Kajika Woodlands DengaAddress: 28-6 Hatakenakachō, Fukui-shiAccess: 30 minutes by car from JR Fukui Station35 minutes by car from JR Sabae Station35 minutes by car from Fukui Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway35 minutes by car from Sabae Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway*Only accessible by carPhone: 090-2541-3267Hours: 11:00-14:00Price: 3,500 yenCredit card: not AcceptedParking: Available (about 20 spaces)Notes: Transport to and from the nearest station is available depending on the circumstancesE-mail:kajikanosatoyamadenga@gmail.comURL:http://kajikanosatoyamadenga.sitemix.jp/en/

Try your hand at making Wakasa-Obama local cuisine

Take part in cooking authentic dishes such as local Obama cuisine in the kitchen studio of the Food Culture Museum. You can also make mackerel sushi or temari sushi and take them home as a souvenir.

Try making the festival delicacies that brighten up sunny rural village days

The Ohara district is part of Hakusan National Park, and this nature-rich community is inhabited by rare flora and fauna. In this settlement of traditional houses that preserve the unspoiled landscape of ancient rural Japan, you can put on samue work clothing and try your hand at cooking traditional festival food. Take home sasa-zushi and an original towel that you make yourself.

[Time Required] 180minutes[Period] spring/summer/fall/winter irregular (days this experience is scheduled to be held are shown on the website) (bamboo grass collecting is not possible between November and April due to snowfall. A tea roasting experience is provided instead.)[Foreign-Language Support] Japanese only (hands-on experiences are carried out together with manual videos in English, Chinese, and Korean, and a demonstration by staff)

[Basic Information]

name: Farm house FukujusoAddress: 19-29 Kitadanicho ohara Katsuyama cityAccess: Access (from Fukui Station) Take the Echizen RailwayKatsuyama Eiheiji Line and get off at the terminal Katsuyama Station About 20 minutes by taxi from Katsuyama StationPhone: 0779-88-1517Hours:Price: 4,800 yenCredit card: not AcceptedParking: 10 spaces (3 spaces in the winter due to snowfall)Village roads can be traversed by a medium-sized busNotes:E-mail:ohara-eco@nifty.comURL:https://www.ohara-eco.com/

Make your own soba noodles by hand, then dine on Fukui's famous oroshi soba (buckwheat noodles served with grated Japanese radish on top) and grilled mackerel sushi for lunch

This highly recommended hands-on activity is registered by Fukui Prefecture as a traditional Fukui food making experience! Enjoy making your own authentic soba noodles. You can also sample Fukui's famous oroshi soba (buckwheat noodles served with grated Japanese radish on top) and grilled mackerel sushi dishes. Visit the soba museum and factory to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese food culture.

An extravagant experience where you hand make and eat your own soba noodles

Handmade soba noodles are one of the most common traditional cuisine experiences to try in Fukui Prefecture. The decadence of making your own soba then eating it is the secret to its popularity. Easy-to-follow instructions are displayed on a monitor, so it can be enjoyed by beginners and children alike. You can also take a tour of the soba museum and factory, which serve as precious opportunities to learn about Japanese food culture.

Try making miso balls, brown rice balls, and tofu, then take a tour of the storehouse

Marukawa Miso only creates organic miso that is fermented for a year. Here you can try making rice balls out of organic brown rice, miso soup from organic miso, or organic tofu to use as an ingredient. Tours of the storehouse can also be arranged.

name: Milk Kobo Okuechizen Rokuroshi Kougen no tokeidaiAddress: 169 Minamirokuroshi, Ōno-shiAccess: About 50 minutes from Fukui Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway via National Route 158About 90 minutes from Shirotori Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku ExpresswayPhone: 0779-67-1166Hours: 9:00-17:00Price: 670 yen eachCredit card: not AcceptedParking: Free parking, 50 spacesNotes: Reservations are required at least 4 days before the desired date.Overseas tourists can be accommodated if accompanied by someone who can interpret, or if foreign language recipes are acceptable.E-mail:info@milk-koubou.com/URL:http://www.milk-koubou.com/

Try your hand at making pure soy sauce

Try making your own original soy sauce at this well-established soy sauce storehouse founded 100 years ago. It is the only purveyor in the prefecture that supplies Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple.

name: Nomura SyouyuAddress: 10-1 Hiyoshichō, Ōno-shiAccess: About 35 minutes from Fukui Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway via National Route 158About 80 minutes from Shirotori Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku ExpresswayPhone: 0779-66-2072Hours: 9：00-17:00Price: 1,000 yenCredit card: not AcceptedParking: 8 spacesAbout a 10 minute walk from the Jokamachi Higashi Hiroba parking lot (78 standard spaces, 20 bus spaces)Notes: Reservations are required at least 2 days before the desired date.Overseas tourists can be accommodated if there is someone to interpret.E-mail:10emon@nomura-syouyu.jpURL:http://nomura-syouyu.jp/english/

Collect and put together the parts for a masu sake container

Travel around 4 sake breweries in town and collect the parts for a masu sake container while sampling sake produced in Echizen Ono. Then you can purchase the final part at the tourist association, and create your own original masu.

[Time Required] 90 minutes or more[Period] fall/winter[Foreign-Language Support] Japanese only

[Basic Information]

name: Ono City Tourist AssociationAddress: 10-23 Motomachi, Ōno-shiAccess: About 35 minutes from Fukui Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway via National Route 158About 80 minutes from Shirotori Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku ExpresswayPhone: 0779-65-5521Hours: 8:30-17:00Price: 100 yen per partCredit card: not AcceptedParking: Free parking, 30 spacesNotes: Overseas tourists can be accommodated if there is someone to interpret.E-mail:info@ono-kankou.jpURL:http://www.ono-kankou.jp/

Make soba noodles using the finest grade of buckwheat flour in Fukui Prefecture, then see how they taste.

[Time Required] 90 minutes[Period] Saturdays in spring/summer/fall/winter[Foreign-Language Support] Japanese only

[Basic Information]

name: Saintpia AwaraAddress: 4 Chome-305 Onsen, Awara-shiAccess: A 10 minute walk from Echizen Railway Awara-Yunomachi StationPhone: 0776-78-4126Hours: 10:00-22:00Price: 4,000 yen (1 group of up to 2 adults and 2 children)Credit card: not AcceptedParking: Free parking, 85 spacesNotes: Reservations must be made in advance (reserve by phone at least 3 days beforehand)*Please bring your own apron, bandanna, and towel*Please refrain from taking part if you are allergic to buckwheat.E-mail:saintpia@outlook.jpURL:http://www.saintpia-awara.com/

Explore Awara while sampling Japanese confectionary

Explore the hot springs town of Awara with a guide, visiting the three Yakushi shrines and Japanese confectionary stores while hearing about interesting stories behind the sweet treats, as well as the history and appeal of Awara.(Includes Japanese sweets and coffee)

A picnic featuring vegetables steamed in a hot spring

The strawberries of Okada Strawberry Farm are grown using only organic fertilizer, so they can be eaten with a clear conscience! The growing process places emphasis on the quality of soil used for cultivation, and after picking and eating as many of the perfectly ripe, mineral rich strawberries as you want (30 minutes), you can also enjoy special treats from Tajima Bokujo! Finally, relax at the "Hasegawa" Awara Onsen, sipping tea in the wood-fired stove lounge and soaking in the baths.

[Time Required] 12:45 to about 15:40[Period] Winter[Foreign-Language Support] Japanese only

Try making konnyaku by hand

Konnyaku with a unique texture is made by hand from konnyaku potatoes, using a technique passed down through the generations in the Uomi area of Ikeda. In addition to sampling freshly-made konnyaku, you can take some home as a souvenir.

Walk along the Asuwa River Cherry Tree Row

The Yoshino cherry trees blooming along the left bank of Asuwa River were chosen as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom sites (there are about 600 trees, covering 2.2 kilometers), making this magnificent spot a highlight. While in bloom the cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed lit up at night.

Enjoy an open-air bath while looking out over the Sea of Japan

Nothing beats a soak in a hot spring flowing from the source while looking out over the vast Sea of Japan. You can also watch the sun sink slowly into the sea in the evening, and smack your lips while enjoying fresh bounty of the sea at the in-house restaurant.

[Time Required] 50 minutes or more[Period] spring/summer/fall/winter[Foreign-Language Support] Not available

Travel Around the Sotomo (Scenic Coastline)

Travel past about 6 kilometers of strangely-shaped rocks, caves, and bluffs carved out by the raging waves of the Sea of Japan. This magnificent sight is one of the most picturesque spots on the Sea of Japan coast.

name: Wakasa Fisherman's WharfAddress: 1 Chome-3-2 Kawasaki, Obama-shiAccess: A 15 minute walk from JR Obama StationAbout 5 minutes by car from Obama Interchange on the Maizuru-Wakasa ExpresswayPhone: 0770-52-3111Hours: 8:30-17:00Price: Junior high school students and up: 2,000 yenElementary school students and under: 1,000 yenPre-school children: freeCredit card: not AcceptedParking: AvailableNotes: Chosen as one of the 31 most beautiful spots by CNN JapanContact:https://www.wakasa-fishermans.com/form_contact.htmlURL:http://www.wakasa-fishermans.com/guide_en.html

Try sea kayaking

Experience the popular marine sport of sea kayaking in the natural beauty of Wakasa Bay.

[Time Required] About 1 hour or more[Period] summer/fall[Foreign-Language Support] Japanese only

See the autumnal colors in a Japanese garden

Mantoku-ji Temple was chosen as one of the top 100 places in Japan for seeing the fall leaves in color, and it features a Japanese garden that is a National Site of Scenic Beauty. Its relaxed atmosphere exudes Japanese culture.

[Time Required] About 1 hour or more[Period] spring/summer/fall/winter[Foreign-Language Support] Japanese only

Take a hands-on lesson in the traditional crafts of Wakasa

Wakasa-Obama traditional crafts (Wakasa lacquerware, agate craftwork, washi paper, and roof tiles) have supported the history and culture of local cuisine. Here you can purchase the works of masters who are carrying on these traditional crafts, and experience them for yourself by polishing chopsticks or making paper.

Echizen Lacquerware Hall is a museum when you can view traditional Echizen lacquerware

This nationally designated traditional craft has a history of around 1,500 years. You can select from a bowl, photo stand, coffee tray, or hand mirror, and create your own original painted lacquerware. This facility offers insight on the process and history of Echizen lacquerware production, and you can also see a float made using Echizen lacquerware techniques.

This museum of glasses showcases cutting edge technology

Sabae is the "holy land of glasses," accounting for over 95% of eyeglass frame production in Japan. Here there are over 2,500 pairs of the latest models displayed for sale, as well as a museum where you can see the glasses of famous individuals like Yujiro Ishihara and learn about how they were once made. There is also a cafe and shop where you can make your own straps and sample Sabae treats.

Try making your own prayer beads (rosary)

Enjoy the experience of making unique prayer beads (rosary) in a comfortable space with views of Kitagatako Lake and the forests of Kashima. On the outside they will look exactly the same as normal prayer beads, but prayer beads made by your own hand are sure to become items you will treasure.

[Time Required] For women: 30 to 50 minutes, for men: 60 to 90 minutes[Period] spring/summer/fall/winter[Foreign-Language Support] Explanation possible in English

[Basic Information]

name: Yoshizaki Gobo Rennyo Shonin KinenkanAddress: 1 Chome-901 Yoshizaki, Awara-shiAccess: Car: 15 minutes from JR Awara-Onsen Station, Echizen Railway Yunomachi StationPhone: 0776-75-2200Hours: 9:00-17:00Price: 1,500 yenCredit card: not AcceptedParking: Free parking, 34 spaces (6 large vehicle spaces)Notes: Closed on Thursdays, or Wednesday if this is a public holiday, as well as December 28 to January 2 for the New Year's holidayE-mail:phoenix@honganjifoundation.orgURL:http://honganjifoundation.org/rennyo/

Make ceramic and glass art at Kanazu Forest of Creation

Experience the creation of ceramic art, glass-blowing, batik printing, or bamboo craftwork while being soothed by the verdant forest around you.

name: Kanazu Forest of Creation Glass AtelierAddress: 57-2-19 Miyadani, Awara-shiAccess: Car: 10 minutes from JR Awara-Onsen StationPhone: [Creative studio] 0776-73-7802[Glass atelier] 0776-73-7801Hours: 9:00-17:00Price: Varies by courseCredit card: not AcceptedParking: Free parking, 20 spaces(the Art Core parking lot has spaces for large vehicles)Notes: At Forest of Creation Glass Atelier (44-10-37 Aonoki, Awara-shi), a hands-on class where you can take home the work you create on the day is also available. See the website for more details.Contact:http://sosaku.jp/contact/inquiry/URL:http://sosaku.jp/information/creation/

Take a papermaking lesson

Make your own paper, create patterns with pressed flowers or paulownia paper, then dry it to make postcards, etc. This is easy for even children to do.

Experience marbling prints

Even in Echizen, the largest producer of handmade washi paper in Japan, this is the only place you'll be able to have an experience like this. Try your hand at Echizen Paper Marbling, then craft everyday items you can actually use such as fans or paper bags out of the paper you created.

Try making a bamboo doll at Echizen Bamboo Doll Village

After watching the skills of an artisan at the studio, you can try making bamboo craftwork yourself. In addition to dolls, you could make a bamboo helicopter, and you are able to take home the items you create.

Experience Sengoku period costumes and a virtual guide

You can dress up as a samurai or princess at the ruins or the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, which are regarded as the Pompeii of Japan. A virtual guide that recreates the buildings of yesteryear on a tablet deviee is also available.

[Time Required] 60 minutes or more, however, 90 minutes when a tour is requested (tours require a reservation and cost 4,000 yen (including tax))[Period] spring/summer/fall/winter[Foreign-Language Support] The virtual guide has English support

Zen for beginners - Zen meditation

You may experience Zen training programs for beginners such as Zazen (Zen meditation) followed by Dokyo (sutra recitation) and Sarei (Zen-style tea ceremony) at the temple which used to be a part of Fukui Castle and then was relocated and reconstructed at the present place.

Zen for beginners - Sutra copying

You may experience Zen training programs for beginners such as Shakyo (practice of sutra copying) for about 1 hour followed by Sarei (Zen-style tea ceremony) at the temple which used to be a part of Fukui Castle and then was relocated and reconstructed at the present place.

Experience Rakugo comic storytelling in English

A Rakugo comic story in English (a short story of about 10 minutes) told by the proprietress, a Rakugo storyteller who was taught by master Tsuyu no Miyako (Kamigata Rakugo Association). After this, you can wear a yukata and take a commemorative photo as a Rakugo storyteller together with a bookrest and standing panel. Next, you will be introduced to famous sightseeing spots in Fukui while enjoying tea and Japanese confectionary (or local sake).

[Time Required] 30 minutes [Period] spring/summer/fall/winter[Foreign-Language Support] English support available

See a diorama of the old cityscape of the international city of Tsuruga, showing the railroad and port

A nostalgic diorama of the railway and port that extends for an impressive 27 meters and is 7.5 meters wide. It features a model railway with steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, and Tsuruga's famed switchbacks, as well as self-propelled boats and cars traveling here and there busily.

[Time Required] 30 minutes or more[Period] spring/summer/fall/winter[Foreign-Language Support] Japanese only

Try Zen meditation

Seidai-ji Temple is an ancient temple characterized by spacious grounds surrounded with splendid natural scenery.It has Japan's greatest Buddha statue, consecrated in modem times, which carries on the rich history and traditional beauty that came before it. Try some Zen meditation in a tranquil space.

[Time Required] 60 minutes or more[Period] spring/summer/fall/winter[Foreign-Language Support] Japanese only

See what you look like as an Awara geisha/maiko

Transform into a fabulous maiko or geisha. After dressing in a beautiful kimono, you can try your hand at the taiko or shamisen. As options, you can walk around the inns, have your photo taken by a professional photographer, or enjoy a beauty treatment (extra charge).

Experience a traditional "Ozashiki-Asobi" party

Enjoy a traditional "Ozashiki-Asobi" party together with Ashihara Geiko, who are known as the flowers of Awara Hot Springs. After seeing them demonstrate Ozashiki-Asobi such as posture dancing and the taiko drum, you can take part yourself.This is a fun way to learn Ozashiki etiquette for a reasonable price.

Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple: The Taste of Zen Program

You may apply to attend the Taste of Zen Program and have a taste of the Zen practice followed by the monks at Eiheiji. The program provides an opportunity to You may apply to attend the Taste of Zen Program and have a taste of the Zen practice followed by the monks at Eiheiji. The program provides an opportunity to experience yourself anew through zazen ("sitting Zen). Within this program there are two possibilities: one is to stay for about two hours for one period of zazen and a guided tour; another is to stay overnight, sit zazen in the evening and morning, enjoy a traditional formal dinner and breakfast, see a film about Eiheiji, hear a dharma talk, have a tour and participate in the morning service.Foreign visitors intending to take part in the program, but who are not connected with a Soto Zen place of practice are kindly asked to contact Fukui Tour Guides Association (FTGA) for booking and inquiries (info@fukuitourguides.org). If you are connected with a Soto Zen place of practice, please contact Daihonzan Eiheiji. The FTGA tour guides are especially trained by the staff of Eiheiji Temple to facilitate visits by foreign guests.

Activities centered around enjoying the forest, trees, and river

There are a ton of ways to enjoy the forest, trees, and river here, including activities like the mega zip-line that crosses two valleys, an adventure park, and adventure boats. In rainy weather and with group reservations you can also try forestry work like wood-chopping. The staff are all very friendly and fun to talk with.

[Time Required] 60 minutes to 120 minutes[Period] spring/summer/fall[Foreign-Language Support] important documents are available in 5 languages. English signage is also provided.

Cycle around the Mikatagoko ( Five Lakes of Mikata )

Cycle around the lakeside of the Mikatagoko ( Five Lakes of Mikata ), a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention. The Wakasa Nature Cycling Course stretches out for 11 kilometers along the eastern coasts of the lakes of Mikatako and Suigetsuko, offering a myriad of ways to enjoy the outdoors, such as lush greenery in the spring, the fresh breeze across the lakeside in summer, vibrant leaves in the fall, and snowscapes in the winter.

Try kayaking

Tours Include the Sea Course that explores the calm inland sea of Wakasa Bay, and the Lake Course that travels around the Mikatagoko ( Five Lakes of Mikata ) of Sulgetsuko and Sugako Both courses feature an abundance of untouched nature. so you can enjoy them while looking out over the magnificent scenery.

Stay at a farm inn

Stay at a traditional Japanese farm inn or house with Japanese-style architecture, and interact with the host family while experiencing their food and lifestyle.

[Time Required] From 2 days and 1 night[Period] spring/summer/fall/winter

[Basic Information]

name: Lohas EchizenAddress: 2 Chome-805 Awatabechō Chūō, Echizen-shiAccess: From JR Takefu Station take the Fukui Railway Bus Nan-Etsu Line and get off at Imadate Sogo Shisho-MaePhone: 0778-43-0879Hours: 10:00-19:00Price: 8,500 yenCredit card: not AcceptedParking: About 2 standard spacesNotes: Note: Your stay will be at one of a number of farm inns in the cityE-mail:info@lohas-echizen.orgURL:http://lohas-echizen.org/

Enjoy an open-air bath overlooking the Sea of Japan

An open-air bath that juts out over the magnificent Sea of Japan. In addition to offering sunset views in the evening on a clear day, in winter you can see the turbulent Sea of Japan up close. This is a popular rest spot for local residents, so it offers a chance to experience a slice of life in Japan.

See if you can dig up a dinosaur fossil

Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest Park contains the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, which is said to be one of the world's three largest dinosaur museums. Inside the park you can take on the challenge of joining a dinosaur fossil excavation experience! The stones used are transported from an actual dinosaur fossil excavation site. You have the chance to unearth a fossil from 120 million years ago, and each participant can take home a piece from those not needed as research material.

[Time Required] About 60 minutes (1: 9:30, 2: 11:00, 3: 13:30, 4: 15:00. The number held varies by season, so please check the times held by phone or over the Internet)[Period] spring/summer/fall[Foreign-Language Support] Japanese only *2 staff members can provide English support

Experience the world of dinosaurs

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world's 3 largest dinosaur museums. At the outdoor dinosaur museum you can try excavating fossils while checking out a dinosaur fossil excavation site up close.

name: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur MuseumAddress: 51-11 Terao Muraoka Cho Katsuyama-shiAccess: Via Eiheiji-Ono Road on the Chubu Jukan Expressway from Fukui-Kita Junction/Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway (about 40 minutes)Get off at JR Fukui Station, take the Echizen RailwayKatsuyama Eiheiji Line train bound for Katsuyama (about 1 hour) -> get off at Katsuyama Station, then take the community bus (about 15 minutes) or a taxi (about 10 minutes)Phone: 0779-88-0001Hours: 9：00-17:00Price: Adults: 720 yenHigh school and university students: 410 yenElementary and junior high school students: 260 yenCredit card: not AcceptedParking: Parking available (large vehicles OK)Notes:E-mail:https://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/en/mail.htmURL:https://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/en/

Take a tour of the hot springs

Awara Onsen has 74 wellsprings, so you can try a variety of baths and enjoy their different properties. One bath tour ticket lets you visit 3 of the 15 facilities, or use one 3 times. At some inns it can also be used at the coffee corner.

[Period] spring/summer/fall/winter[Foreign-Language Support] Japanese only

Reservations & Services

JAL Japan Explorer Pass

JAL Japan Explorer Pass is a simple and low cost fare for travelers wishing to explore the unique culture and feel of local Japan. The fare can be used to access over 30 cities across JAL’s domestic network.